Ignition apparatus



F. BMER.

IGNITION APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED MAR 30. new.

Patented Jan. 25, 1921.

as'ucus- -smu 1.

A rrcnlvgxg F. BAIER.

IGNITION APPARATUS.

APPLICATION HLED 11.30. ms.

1,366,887. P&t6llt6d Jan. 25,1921.

xwnswron.

A TI'ORIHEYJ.

F. BAUER.

IGNITION APPARATUS APPLICATION FILED MAR. 30, IIY. 1,366,887. Patented Jan. 25,1921.

' 3 SH T$- 'SHEIT 3 A 7" ORI/75.

in ignition systems 0 UNITED STATES P'ATENT OFFICE.

IGNITION APPARATUS.

Applieattonaled larch 80, 1918. Serial No. 225,783.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I FRnnnnIcK Barns, a citizen of the United tates, miding at Anderson, in the county of Madison and State of Indiana, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Ignition Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an ignition apparatus for internal combustion engines which'is particularly adapted to be used in conniaction with internalco'mbustion engines in automobile construction, the invention having particularly to do with certain means for automatically advancing and retarding theignition,containing many refinements in construction over my earlier atent issued to me on November 14, 1916, 0. 1,204,730, and also includin several new features for increasing the e ciency and production of power of such engines.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a construction; for controlling the ignition in internal combustion engines, in which unnecessary vibration between the parts is largely overcome, thereb insuring more positive action which is re ected in a more uniform running'of the engine when subjected to varying loads. 7

A 'further object of the invention consists in constructing the device for controlling the electric current in the ignition system of internal combustion engines so that the contact-points will wear uniformly, and maintain a uniform flow of the current.

A still further object of the invention con sists of means for simplifying the transmission of the primary current to thecontactpoints, which not only eliminates the usual springs and rivets, but renders the construction more simple, lending effectiveness throughout the entire range of the timing device.

A still. further object of the invention consists in the provision of means for initially setting an re-setting themechanism for timing or interrupti the electric current internal combustion engines, without removing any of the parts, the device being susceptible-of fractional adjustments for advancing or retarding the time of ignition, as conditions may dictate.

A still further object of the invention consists in the provision of means whereby tension may be easily and quickly increased on the governor mechanism which controls the Specification of Letters Patent.

cam is omitte Patented Jan. 25, 1921.

interruptions in the el tric current ofignition systems employed in connection with internal combustion engines.

Astill further object of the invention consists 1n simplifying the construction of means for controlling the interruption in the electric circuit of ignition systems in internal combustion engines, thereby effecting economy in manufacture, and efliciency in operation.

I accomplish the above objects of the inven-.

in which the cap is omitted. Fig.3 is a ,fragmentary detail sectional view on the line 3-3 in Fi 3. Fig. 4 is a central vertical sectional view through the casin and movable parts of the distributor. Fig. 4 is a fragmentary detail sectional view through one end of the ca' and cable socket,

showing the means for he ding the cables in position. Fig. 5 is a top or plan view of the internal mechanism of the distributor, in which the interrupter-frame and distributer-arin are omitted. Fig. 6- is a fragmentary detail vertical sectional .view, on the line 66 in Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is a horizontal sectional view through the governor mechanism, on the line 7-7 in Fig. 4. Fig. 8 is a top or plan view of the interrupterframe and actuator-cam, in which the remaining parts of the distributer are omitted. Fig. 9 1s a side. elevation of the construction shown "in Fi 8 except that the actuatorl. Fig. 10 is a side elevation of the actuator-cam. Fig. $3 is a horizontal sectional view of the actuator-cam, on the line 11-'--11 in Fig. 10. 12 is a side ele vation of the distributer-head, the remaining parts being omitted. Fig. 13 is a cenplan view of the construction shown in A 13. Fig. 15 is a. top'or plan view, on an enlarged scale, of the distributencasing, showing more clearly the construction and arrangement of the cam and interrupter frame, the remaining parts being omitted. Fig. 16 is a fragmentar detail sectionalview on the line 16-46 in ig. 17. Fig. 17 is a fragmentary detail sectional view on .the line 1717 in Fig. 15. Fig. 18 is a modified con struction of the distributor when the spring securing disks are supported upon a division wall in the distributer casing.

Referring to the drawings, the movable parts of the distributor are arranged within a suitable hollow bowl or casing 20. having a depending stem 21Iwhich is secured to the engine frame by means of the bolts 22. Stem 21 is provided with a longitudinally extending aperture adapted to receive a driving shaft 25 which is driven from the engine shaft, not'shown. Secured to and rotating with shaft 25 is a channeled box 26, and arranged on opposite sides of shaft 25 and moving in the channels of box 26 is a pair of centrifugally actuated vernor-weights 27, the object of which wfil be-hereinafter described. "The upper end of shaft 25is provided with a loose sleeve and said sleeve is provided with an inte ra cam 36 adaptedto actuate interrupterrame 37. The lower end of sleeve 35 is provided with an integrally formed disk 38 which is provided in its opposite peripheral sides with teeth 39 and 40. See F i 10. To determine the relative positions 0 the overnor -weig ts 27 when sleeve 35 is place into position, disk 38 on said'sleeve isprovidedwith an integral lug 38 which is. adapted to pass through a slot in one of the governor-weights 27, as clearly shown in Fig. 5.

The centrifugally actuated governorwei hts 27 are provided with respective extensions 41 .and 42, and these extensions are provided with the respective teetli 43 and 44, in which teeth 39 meshlwith teeth 43 in exit becomes obvious that when ing earlier interruptions in the tension 41 and teeth 40 with teeth 44 in extension 42. By means of this construction the'speed of the en 'ne reaches 11. int where the rotation 0 shaft-25 is su ciently high to cause overnor-weights 27 to move radially away f rom the axis of shaft 25. the enga ement between the governorweights 27 an sleeve 35, will cause cam 36 to move forward about its axis to bring its contact-points into engagement and actuate interrupter-frame 37 at an earlier period of time, with correspondprimary circult. When the speed of the engine is reduced a corresponding retardation in the interruptions in the primary circuit occurs. To prevent'premature radial movement of governor-weights 27, before the engine has attained a predetermined speed, is accomplished by passing 'a spring 45 through an alined aperture 46 in the two governor grounded at this point. cam 36 contact and move interrupter-frame 59 forming 1,aee,sa1

by meansof a wedge-shapct key 18, having a serrated edge adapted to engage the looped and of said sn-ing. By moving key'48 longitudinally the length of spring 45 may be increased or decreased and thereby vary the tension applied to the governor-weights 27, as the necessity requires. In addition to the effect exerted by spring 45 in pulling gov ernor-weights 27 toward each other, 1 cmploy a pair of springs 49 for slightly oppos- 111 the pressure applied by spring 45, in orc er that the governonweights will be constantly under partial restraint and their movements controlled, as the force and effect of the springs and centrifugal action are modified under varying conditions.

As shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings interrupter-frame 37 surrounds cam 36, and said frame is provided with an actuator-point 51, composed of fiber or similar insulating material to prevent the current from being After the points of 37 to break the primary circuit, by opening a gap between contact points 53 and 5i, the interrupter-frame 37 returned to normal through ii spring Spring 55 may be formed of one or more leaves, and is preferably secured at its center to illtQIlllPilBP- frame 37, the fnee ends of said spring being, properly secured by certain means which will now be described.

In order to simplify and reduce the cost of manufacture of my present distributor, l dispense with the usual horizontal division wall 30 for mounting the operative parts. as shown in the modified construction in Fi 18, and cm )loy lugs 56 and 56, as shown in Fig. 3. T se lugs may be cast integrally with the distributor-casing or, for convenience of manufacture, may be cast integral with a sleeve 56", the latter to he slipped downwardly into the hollow portion of. the casing-and riveted fast to the casingnvall.

'Each of the lugs 56 is proyidedgvitli a circular lsocket 57, and extending from each socket to the edge of the lugs are the slots passageways for introducing the ends of the spring 55. also provided with a marginal recess 58 adapted to provide sufficient clearance for the ends of spring 55. Arranged within each'socket57 is a centrally located r "ovable screw 60, and each of these-screwsgis provided with a swiveled-head-(il having kerfs to receive the end of a screw-driver for setting the screws and for rotating the swiveled-heads after thesc'ijews are set. T he. connection between: the" "swiveled-head 61 and screws is sufficiently close fitting to enable the two to rotate in unisonnntil the Each socket 57 is walls of the sockets'57. To

ance, when said-bee 60 and said bloc distributor-block 80 in 1,see,ea1

screws fa firml A t, after which heads 61 are free ,rotate dependently of the screws to perinit the ends of sparing 55 to be clamped betweenthe heal and adjacent permit the initial introduction of the ends of spring 55 between heads 61 and adjacent walls of sockets 57, a part of the peripheries of heads 61 is cut 'awa Ito 've the necessary clearare moved into proper position. r

Interrupter-frame 37 terminates at one end in a U-shaped irame 65 (Fig. 8) in which the fiber actuator-point 51 is secured.

and to enable frame 37 to advance its position for maintaining actuator-point 51 in contact 'with cam 86, when the former becomes worn, I provide the exterior side: walls of frame 65 with horizontal channels 66 which receive the pivot forming balls 67 which are arranged m the upper ends of' standards 68, and the pivotal connection 'thus formed permits interrupter-frame 37 to move longitudinally for maintaining contact between actuator point 51 and cam 36.

Standards 68 are supported u on lugs 56' formed on casing 20. Mounte beneath U- shaped frame 65 and between standards 68 is.

a horizontally disposed lever 70 which is 80 pivoted at 71 to the base of the standards.

and in normal position its outer end 73 contacts and holds a vertical sprin 76 out of contact with the adjacent end 0 fiber block formin the actuator-point 51, as clearly shown in Figs. 3 and 16. As actuator-point 51 wears down interrupter-frame 37 moves toward cam 36 until lug 75 contacts and oscillates lever 70 a suflicient distance to cause its outer end 73 to release vertical spring 76. When spring 76 is released its free end bears against the adjacent end'of the fiber block and exerts sufficient tension against the end of interrupter-flame 37 to cause contact point 53 to maintain proper contact 46 withstationary contact-point 54, on the distributer casing 20! Arranged upon the upper end of sleeve 35 and rotating therewith is a distributerblock 80 eom'osed of insulating material, carries a distributor-arm 81 which is adjustably held in position on said block by means of a screw 83. To enable distributor-block 80 to be easily and pro erly' located, I provide a recess 35" in t e upper edge of sleeve 35 (Figs. 8 and 10) ich recess receives a in -80 on said disig. 12. To hold I roper alinement .with slam/e35,- said distri liter-block is, protribute'r-block 80. -See vided with a depending shaft 82 which enters the hollow portion of sleeve 35.

The moving parts of the device are inclosed by means of a suitable cap 85 having a .sufiicient number of openings 88 corre- In this construction sponding to the number of cables 91 re- "quircd to supply the number of cylinders employed in the engine. The high tension current enters through cable 86,'and passes down to distributer-armSl thro h a flexible brush 87, the current being stributed by said distributor-arm to the several electrodes 90 where it passesout through cables 91, to the spark plu of the engine hot shown. Cap 85 is ml in operativeposition on the upper end of casing 20 by means'of. a; spring 95 (Fig. 2), the said spring being" bent outwardly as indicated at 96 and'-;.wlien-'.

rotated the points 96 may be brought under the hooks 97 formed on the standards 98 se cured to casing 20. To prevent cap 85 from turning when spring 95 is placed in position the saidcap is provided in its, marginal edge with a recess'lOO adapted to receive a prong 101 formed out of one of the standards 98. See Fig. l.

To prevent the end of cables 91 from be ing accidentally displaced from o enings or sockets 88 in cap 85 and still enab e them to be readily removed and re-inserted when desired, I provide certain simple thin metal shells 105 Fig. 4) having one end closed.

and these s ells are inserted into sockets 88 with the closed ends of the shells at the bot: tom and arranged to rest upon and effect electrical connections with electrodes 90. Formed on the side wall of each shell 105 are two or more tongues 106. which are arranged with their free ends projecting downwardl so that said free ends of the tongues wi l engage the insulating coating of the cables 91 and necessitating a little force to be applied to disengage the cable ends from said sockets 88. To insure a proper electrical connection to be maintained between the ends of cables 91 and electrodes 90, I mount a metallic needle 107 in the bottom and centrally of each shell 105, which needles penetrate the metallic cores of the cables.

In Figs. 13 and 14 of the drawings I have shown a modified construction fonsecuring the ends of s rings 55, in which the screws 60 are forme conically for expanding open collars 108 and clamping the ends of springs 55 against the adjacent walls of the sockets 57, and to prevent rotation of collars 108 when screws 60 are rotated, 1 form tongues 109 from the walls of lugs 56, and then bend down said tonguesso as to project between horizontally disposed conventional division wall 30 for mounting the su ports for the movable parts, thereby provi ing additional means for meeting va ing trade conditions. provide a standard 54' for carrying the stationary, contact-point;

54, and this standard 54* wish standards 68 and lugs 56 are all mounted upon division wall 30.

Examining Figs. 1 and 3. of. the drawings,

it will be noted that -a coil 111 which is necessary in using this style of distributor,

is arranged exteriorly and in close proximity of the casing 20 and stem 21, said coil being held in position between the ends of a pair of connecting bars 112 which are secured to ears 113 formed on the exterior lower surface of casing20, by means of suitable bolts 114. Coil 111'is electricall connected with stationarycontact-point 5 b means of a low tension cable 115, the hig tension current passing out through connection 116 into the hi h tension cable 86 where it is delivered t ugh the flexible brush 87 to the distributer-arm 81. Coil 111 is also conneeted to a suitable source of electrical energy (not shown) by means of a cable 117. It will be noted by the hereinbefore described construction that coil 1 and distributer-casing 20 are arranged in close relationifnd readily accessible, their arrange ment eing such that each can be individually ins cted and repaired without disturbin r t e mechanism of the other, as 6fttimes appens where the coil is arranged within casing 20 and below the Working parts of the distributer, thus necessitating the removal of the movingparts of the distributer to gain access to the coil.

' said interrupter-frame, s ring-release means The time of contact between cam 36 and actuator-point 51 mayalso be manually advancedand retarded, and this I accomplish by removing screw 32 from slot 33 and attaohinga lever 120, as shown iii Fig. 18.

The outer end of lever 120 is connected to a. suitable actuator rod which extends to and is o rated by the usual spark control lever on t e steering wheel.

, Having thus fully described my said invention, what'I desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In an ignition apparatus, adri shaft, a cam loosely arranged on said shaft,

V up interrupter-frame actuated inone direc-' tion by said cam, means for imparting tension for returning said frame to normal, a sprihg. normally held out of engagement of 1 for normally holding sai spring away from said frame, and means carr ed by said frame for actuating said spring'release means for releasing the spring at a predetermined time. 2. In an ignition apparatus, a driving sha'ft,a cam loosely arranged on said shaft,

an interrupter-frame-actuated in one direcfor returning said tion by said cam, spr' having frame to normal, stationary lugs 'sotckets for receiving the ends of said springs,

' sockets, an

and revoluble means arranged within Said sockets for im inging the ends of the springs against the a acent walls of the sockets.

3. In an ignition apparatus, a casing, a driving shaft in said casing, a cam loosely arranged on said shaft, an interrupter-frame actuated in one direction by said cam, springs for returning said frame to normal, lugs supported by said casing and having sockets for receiving the ends of the above springs, o en-collars arranged in said means for expanding said colbars to impinge the ends of the springs against the adjacent \vallsof the sockets.

' 4. In an ignition apparatus, a driving shaft, a cam loosely arranged on said shaft, an interruptenframe provided with longitudinall extending channels and actuated in one direction by said cam, a pair of stand ards, means arranged in said standards and extending into said longitudinal channels to form a slidable pivotal bearing for said interru (er-frame, a contact-point carried by said mterru ter-frame, a stationary contactoi n't alined with the contact-point on the interrupter-frame, and a tension device exerting ressure against the interrupterframe or maintaining a contact between the contact-point on said frame and station-' ary contact-point when the interrupt e1" frame is free of the cam.

5. In an ,jgnit )ll apparatus, a driving shaft, a camloosely arranged on said shaft, an interrupter-frame actuated in one dirco tion by said cam, means for returning said frame to normal, a pair of contrifugully actuated governor-weights rotating with and having independent radial movement of said driving Shaft,-a spring for returning said weights to normal when the driving slia'ft is at rest, and a longitudinal movable key for varying the length of the spring and changin its effective resistance to the move ments 0 the weights.

6. In an ignition apparatus, a driving shaft, a cam loosely arrangedon said shaft, an interrupter frame actuated in one direction by said cam, means for returnin said frame to normal, a pair of centrifugal ly actuatedgovernor-weights rotating with and having independent radial movement of said driving shaft, a spring for returning said weightsto normal when the driving-shaft is at rest, and a longitudinal movable key for keeping, the spring extended for maintaining a slight resistance to the movements of the weights.

this 27th day-of March, A. D. one thousand nine hundredand ei hteen.

V FREDER CK BAIER. [1,. 5.] 

